OVA
Description
In the OVA "Attack on Titan: Ilse's Notebook," Erwin Smith is portrayed as the 13th Commander of the Scout Regiment, a position he holds during the 49th Exterior Scouting Mission. Within this specific story, his primary role is that of a decisive and cautious leader who must balance the pursuit of knowledge against the immediate safety of his soldiers. He is depicted as a tall, commanding figure with neatly parted blond hair and striking blue eyes, typically dressed in the standard military uniform with the Scout Regiment's green cape. His expression is almost always calm and collected, revealing little of his internal calculations.
Personality-wise, Erwin is shown to be serious, calculating, and grim. He accepts both good and bad news with the same stoic attitude, focused entirely on his long-term objectives for humanity. He is an eloquent speaker and a master strategist, but he does not downplay the dangers of the Survey Corps' work. A key aspect of his character evident in this OVA is his pragmatic and cautious nature. When Section Commander Hange Zoë passionately argues for permission to capture a Titan alive for study, Erwin firmly refuses. His motivation is clear: setting up a base and securing the mission's primary objectives is the priority, and authorizing Titan capture would introduce unacceptable risks and potential casualties for his soldiers. This decision underscores his deep care for his men's lives, even as he is known for being willing to sacrifice them for a greater cause. He understands the weight of command and does not make reckless decisions.
Erwin's background, while not the focus of "Ilse's Notebook," informs his actions. As a child, he was curious and insightful, but after sharing his father's dangerous theory about the king altering humanity's memories, his father was killed by the Military Police. This childhood trauma cemented his personal mission to uncover the truth about the world, a goal that drives his overall leadership of the Scout Regiment. However, in the context of the 49th mission, his personal quest takes a backseat to his duty as commander. His key relationship in this OVA is with Hange Zoë. While he rejects her initial proposal, he does not dismiss her passion entirely. When Hange later disobeys orders and goes off alone to pursue an Abnormal Titan, Erwin quickly orders Captain Levi to follow and ensure her safety, demonstrating that he values her as a soldier and a comrade despite their disagreement.
Erwin's notable abilities include his sharp intellect and strategic foresight; he had previously developed the Long-Distance Enemy Scouting Formation to reduce casualties during expeditions. In "Ilse's Notebook," his development is subtle but significant. Initially unconvinced by Hange's arguments, his position changes after the mission when he is presented with concrete evidence: Ilse Langnar's notebook, which details her encounter with a Titan that could speak. Faced with this tangible proof that Titans are more complex than mindless monsters, Erwin approves Hange's resubmitted proposal to resume Titan capture operations. This shift shows that while he is cautious, he is not closed-minded; he is willing to change his strategy when presented with new, credible information that could serve the long-term goal of understanding and defeating humanity's enemies.
Personality-wise, Erwin is shown to be serious, calculating, and grim. He accepts both good and bad news with the same stoic attitude, focused entirely on his long-term objectives for humanity. He is an eloquent speaker and a master strategist, but he does not downplay the dangers of the Survey Corps' work. A key aspect of his character evident in this OVA is his pragmatic and cautious nature. When Section Commander Hange Zoë passionately argues for permission to capture a Titan alive for study, Erwin firmly refuses. His motivation is clear: setting up a base and securing the mission's primary objectives is the priority, and authorizing Titan capture would introduce unacceptable risks and potential casualties for his soldiers. This decision underscores his deep care for his men's lives, even as he is known for being willing to sacrifice them for a greater cause. He understands the weight of command and does not make reckless decisions.
Erwin's background, while not the focus of "Ilse's Notebook," informs his actions. As a child, he was curious and insightful, but after sharing his father's dangerous theory about the king altering humanity's memories, his father was killed by the Military Police. This childhood trauma cemented his personal mission to uncover the truth about the world, a goal that drives his overall leadership of the Scout Regiment. However, in the context of the 49th mission, his personal quest takes a backseat to his duty as commander. His key relationship in this OVA is with Hange Zoë. While he rejects her initial proposal, he does not dismiss her passion entirely. When Hange later disobeys orders and goes off alone to pursue an Abnormal Titan, Erwin quickly orders Captain Levi to follow and ensure her safety, demonstrating that he values her as a soldier and a comrade despite their disagreement.
Erwin's notable abilities include his sharp intellect and strategic foresight; he had previously developed the Long-Distance Enemy Scouting Formation to reduce casualties during expeditions. In "Ilse's Notebook," his development is subtle but significant. Initially unconvinced by Hange's arguments, his position changes after the mission when he is presented with concrete evidence: Ilse Langnar's notebook, which details her encounter with a Titan that could speak. Faced with this tangible proof that Titans are more complex than mindless monsters, Erwin approves Hange's resubmitted proposal to resume Titan capture operations. This shift shows that while he is cautious, he is not closed-minded; he is willing to change his strategy when presented with new, credible information that could serve the long-term goal of understanding and defeating humanity's enemies.